News

#DutchGP: Jonas Folger storms to sixth in Assen qualifying

The rising MotoGP™ star wasn’t completely satisfied with his best qualifying result so far, starting from second row on Sunday.

A change in terms of weather conditions last night made Jonas Folger’s life hard. This morning’s third free practice on a rain-soaked track robbed his confidence whilst FP4 shortly after lunch time as final preparations for qualifying was completely worthless due to mixed conditions. Folger and his experienced crew, however, were able to help themselves to took the joker with a higher tyre pressure. In addition, the 23-year-old MotoGP™ rookie bravely followed the advices given by his crew chief to push harder with more tyre pressure from the first lap. After a strong Friday at Assen’s Cathedral of Speed, he hopes now for a changed weather again with dry conditions for race day.

Time schedule for this weekend’s race day includes a serious change as the start is set for Sunday at 1:00 pm local time. This means one hour earlier than to the normal one.

“At the end of the day, today’s sixth place is my best qualifying result so far this year. Therefore, of course, I’m pleased with that. But it was a very complicated day because I didn’t have any confidence under wet conditions. In terms of qualifying, I was worried that I could find my rhythm, I didn’t have any grip with the rear tyre. This was why we have played a bit with the tyre pressure and we also made some changes to the shock. After this, the situation has improved somewhat.”

“In addition, I took more risk towards the end of qualifying. During this stage, I also was following Valentino so, I could see something from him. My last lap wasn’t bad and starting from the second row is even better than last time. Beyond that, I will start ahead of some big names. This, basically, is nothing special for me since I’m just focussed on what’s going on in front of me and will not look to the back. If it is dry tomorrow, which I hope, as I had a strong rhythm in the dry, I will try to race ahead of these guys and not to let them come close to me. But if one of them or the other overtakes me, then it can’t be a disadvantage to follow them, if they are able to race a better pace.”

“Regarding the pain, I must say that it was pretty tough this morning. The hip doesn’t hurt, but I feel lots of pain in the back, the shoulder and the neck. Until now; I haven’t taken any painkillers. Maybe I’ll do so this evening in order to sleep well. Otherwise, I hope that massages in the Clinica Mobile will help. Congratulations to Johann for pole position! Hats off, what an amazing display.”